We are now past the mid-point of Lent. This Sunday is sometimes called Laetare Sunday from the opening words of the introit “Laetare O Jerusalem” (Rejoice O Jerusalem) and it is a day on which Lenten discipline is relaxed as we look forward to a joyful Easter. The clergy will be arrayed in new rose-coloured vestments.
The coffee hour Lent series will continue this Sunday with a review of Maude Barlow’s recent book Blue Future: Protecting Water for People and the Planet, led by parishioner and McGill faculty member, Meg Graham. Next week (March 22) Benji Astrachan, an activist working with Divest McGill, will speak on the campaign to get McGill University to divest its holdings in the tar sands and fossil fuel companies.
There will also be an opportunity at coffee hour to visit the monthly Fair Trade Kiosque Commerce Equitable. It will feature products from Bangladesh. Jonathan writes “Winter has almost run its course and it is time to warm up! Why not try a home fair trade spa with fair trade Sacred Mark soaps and exfoliators from Bangladeshi producer groups such as Prokritee and Bagdha Enterprises. Also, we know it’s Lent, but we will also have the famous fair trade, organic chocolate Easter Bunny from Siembra. Limited numbers – available while stocks last!!”
The Tuesday session on the Gospel of Mark will give way this week to Forum, the sounding board of the Cathedral community. Light refreshments are served at 6, the meeting starts at 6:30. All members of the parish are invited to attend.
Would you like to help make palm crosses to be distributed at Palm Sunday (March 29)? A group will be meeting in the Undercroft on Saturday, March 28 at 10 am. Let Janet King (514-481-6523) or Lorna Saint Dick know if you can participate.
Would you like to make a donation towards the cost of Easter flowers, perhaps in memory of a loved one, or in thankfulness for a joyful event? Please speak to Rob Wells on Sunday or contact the Cathedral office.
Are you sick or shut in and wanting to receive communion at home? Please contact the church office with a request. (cathoff@bellnet.ca or 514-843-6577 /236)
Looking ahead to Holy Week Paul urges us to remember that Holy Week is the most important week in the Christian year – It is a time when all Christians are called to walk with Jesus in prayer, worship and study. He asks us to consider our own commitment to share this week with Jesus and our church community.
Please look at the calendar for Lent and Easter (here) You will see that there is a dramatic presentation of the Passion on Palm Sunday at the start of Holy Week and a service every evening at 7:30 from Monday through Thursday. On Good Friday there are various liturgies from midday onwards and on Holy Saturday the Great Easter Vigil is celebrated.
Each year after the evening service for Maundy Thursday the Cathedral holds an all night watch. Please consider offering an hour of silent prayer during the night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, April 2 to April 3. Sign up here.
We are looking for people who would like to become Sunday Stewards. It involves being on duty once a month with 3 or 4 other people. Speak to Randy or to any of the stewards on duty when you come into the church. We also need more people to help serve coffee on Sunday after the 10 am service. Please speak to Barbara or Irene.
Perhaps after all this busy-ness you would like to quietly listen to God’s still small voice. The parish retreat, “Living the Life of Prayer” offers just such an opportunity. The retreat, to be held April 30 to May 3, is offered as a two- or three-day retreat starting with supper at 5:30 pm and ending after lunch on Sunday, or, for those who prefer, as a quiet day on Friday and/or Saturday. Come partake freely, i.e., as you wish, of the monastic offices, short talks on prayer, natural beauty. For more information write to retreatccc@gmail.com. [10% discount if you register by March 26. Car pool and bursaries are available.] Click here for the poster and registration form.
Pain, Partage et Prière meets around a pot-luck meal in St. Anselm’s chapel from 2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. The next gathering on March 22 will be looking at the third chapter of Gospel of Mark
L’Oasis Musicale presents Three from Les Six March 14th 4.30pm. Kainé Newton violin, Saki Uchida piano. Music by Milhaud, Poulenc, Georges Auric. Free. Details at http ://www.oasismusicale.blogspot.ca/
The Cathedral book group will next meet on April 12 at 7 pm to discuss The Circle by Dave Eggars. If you love reading, do come and join us! Speak to Ann, Diana, Donna, Helen or Jane to find out where we’re meeting.
Canadians for Coexistence will be holding an Interfaith Celebration for World Peace on Sunday, April 26, in Saint James United Church, 463 Rue Sainte-Catherine West – just east of our cathedral. This will unite people of eight religions in the common cause of desiring peace and understanding. The doors will open for registration confirmation at 2:15 p.m., the service will start at 3:00 p.m. sharp and will conclude at 5:00 p.m. There will be 1200 seats and they are asking if folks can signify they are coming by pre-registering (at no cost) at interfaithcelebration.ca. All the details including who will speak and which choirs will perform are in the link.
Finally an Easter invitation from Rhonda. The next Evening Eucharist is on Easter Sunday, April 5th at 6pm. You are invited to celebrate the Risen Christ with a community dinner and a joyful, informal Eucharist. Register at https://eventbrite.ca/event/16024351266/